in personam

adverb or adjective

in per·​so·​nam ˌin-pər-ˈsō-ˌnam How to pronounce in personam (audio)
-ˌnäm
: against a person for the purpose of imposing a liability or obligation
used especially of legal actions, judgments, or jurisdiction
compare in rem

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, against a person

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in personam was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near in personam

Cite this Entry

“In personam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20personam. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

in personam

adverb or adjective
in per·​so·​nam ˌin-pər-ˈsō-nəm How to pronounce in personam (audio)
: against a person for the purpose of imposing a liability or obligation to do or not do something
an action in personam
an in personam suit
see also in personam jurisdiction at jurisdiction compare in rem, quasi in rem
Etymology

Latin, against a person

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!